Actor Michael Douglas has helped create a television public service announcement (PSA) on behalf of the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF).
The PSA will support the foundation's efforts to educate the public about the need for annual screenings to detect oral cancers in their early, most survivable stages, according to a press release. It will begin airing in June across the U.S.
Douglas sought medical help in 2010 for a persistent sore throat, and doctors discovered a tumor at the base of his tongue. He was subsequently diagnosed with stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma and immediately began radiation and chemotherapy. After a long battle, he is now cancer free and in good health.
OCF founder and Executive Director Brian Hill, who survived the same cancer as Douglas, said the actor's willingness to talk about his personal experience has created public awareness of the little-known cancer.
